Grand Estate Sold in Los Gatos – An Expansive Property Set on Over 10 Acres - Seb Frey, Silicon Valley + Bay Area REALTOR

Sold February 2025 • 7 Bedrooms • 6.5 Bathrooms • 8,570 Square Feet • 10.61 Acre Lot Size

Conveniently located just two miles from downtown Los Gatos, the sprawling estate at 239 Forrester Road is set on a sprawling 10.6-acre lot. While located conveniently in the Kennedy/Shannon neighborhood close to the town center, it offers unparalleled privacy and exclusivity, making it feel like a regal retreat.

This review of the estate will explore its stunning architecture and design, sumptuous materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and role in setting the benchmark for luxurious properties in Silicon Valley.

Transaction Details

The home was listed (most recently) for $12,980,000 on May 20, 2024
It sold for $12,521,464 on February 3, 2025 — about 97% of the list price
That represents about $1,461 per square foot

Overview of Amenities and Features

The estate has a host of amenities. Some noteworthy ones include:

Heated Pool: Perfect for relaxing swims or entertaining, with spectacular views
Large garage: 8-car garage with room for an oversized vehicle
Fully-equipped kitchen: Outfitted with granite countertops and state-of-the-art appliances
Executive office: Ideal for distraction-free work
Massive courtyard: Perfect for large outdoor events like weddings and garden parties
Extensive lot: Offers abundant space for a grand family compound with three additional homes
Prime location: Close to downtown Los Gatos and top schools, restaurants, and tech companies

Unpacking the Sale – Executive Summary

What made the sale of this home? What are the key drivers of value for the property, and what were some aspects that were likely detrimental to the sale price and time on market? I break down the pros and cons of the property to help readers understand the most important factors affecting the pricing and timing of the sale.

Pros

Ultra high quality materials
Ample parking with 8-car garage
Potential to subdivide property into 3 lots
Prime Location: Just 2 miles from downtown Los Gatos, offering both privacy and convenient access to shops and restaurants.

Cons

Oversize House and Lot – a victim of diminishing returns
Older home with distinctive style, limiting appeal

While this home was sold in February 2025 after 213 days on market, the reality is that the property had been on the market for years. It first hit the market in August 2000 with a list price of $35 million. The home then went on and off the market over the years, with list prices at $35M, $29M, $18M, $16.5M, $15.9M, $14.888M, and then finally down to $12.98M at which point it finally attracted an offer that stuck. All in all, this home spent nearly 25 years on and off the market – during which time it continued to go further and further out of style, all the while requiring high maintenance, insurance costs, and property tax. The style of the home is undeniably grand, however it has a very distinctive opinion that is out of step with what other $10+ million houses typically look like in Silicon Valley. This home took inordinately long to sell, and it is impossible to consider the sale anything less than a strategic failure, likely causing the sellers literally decades of stress, uncertainty, and hassle on the road to getting the home sold.

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Sale Success Score: 1/5 – Uncommonly Poor Execution

Design and Architectural Overview

The estate’s grand entrance sets the stage for the opulence that lies within. Winding through lush greenery and a neatly trimmed lawn, the driveway leads to a stately home.

Inspired by Mediterranean architecture, the home’s facade features white stucco walls that contrast harmoniously with the surrounding lush greenery. A sweeping staircase leads to the main entrance, flanked by ornate pillars and intricate detailing that set the stage for the grandeur inside.

Interior Features

The estate offers a host of top-notch interior features. Some notable ones include:

Fully-Equipped Kitchen

The home’s kitchen is a culinary masterpiece that blends rustic charm with modern functionality. It has top-of-the-line appliances, including a professional-grade range and refrigerator. At the kitchen’s center, there’s a breakfast bar that offers ample room for meal preparation or casual dining.

Big on utility, rich-toned wood cabinets line the kitchen’s walls, providing ample storage space and adding warmth to the space. Bright and airy, large arched windows flood the kitchen with natural light, highlighting the space’s rustic charm and creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.

Living Room

The residence features a palatial living room with a high ceiling that gives it airy feel. The living room’s large windows and glass-paned doors enhance its aura of spaciousness, making it the perfect space for relaxing, socializing, or entertaining friends and family.

Executive Home Office

The estate’s executive office exudes sophistication and elegance. Rich mahogany cabinetry lines the office’s walls, providing ample storage and creating a warm atmosphere. Built-in bookshelves also line one wall, offering extra storage for precious books and important documents.

A cozy fireplace adds a touch of warmth to the space, making it ideal for taking breaks during busy workdays. With large windows that bathe the space in natural light, the office is an aesthetically pleasing and functional space thats perfect for focused work and brainstorming big ideas.

Wet Bar

The home’s wet bar is a haven for entertaining and relaxation. The space’s focal point is a custom-built bar with rich wood panelling, a built-in sink, and a curved countertop that invites conversations.

Perfect for hosting cocktail parties or enjoying a drink at home, the bar is bathed in warm, ambient lighting, creating cozy atmosphere. A large window also provides additional lighting, adding cheer to the space and providing spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Exterior Features

The estate’s outdoor features are just as impressive as its interior ones. Perfect for outdoor living, here are some of its standout exterior features:

Heated Pool

The star attraction of the estate’s outdoor living area is the heated pool, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Surrounded by a spacious patio, the pool is a luxurious retreat for sunbathing or hosting poolside parties. With comfy sitting and an outdoor grill, the pool area is also perfect for hosting poolside barbeques on sunny summer days.

Large Garage

The estate boasts a massive garage with ample space for eight cars, including oversized vehicles like large SUVs, pickup trucks, and recreational vehicles (RVs). It also has extensive visitor and off-site parking for visitors, making it great for hosting large events.

Prime Location

The swanky sanctuary is just two miles from downtown Los Gatos, which has numerous dining, retail, and entertainment options.

Proximity to Highly-Rated Schools and Tech Companies

Families seeking to enroll their children in top schools will appreciate the home’s proximity to various schools, including Loma Prieta Elementary School, Blossom Hil Elemetary School, C. T. English Middle School, Raymond J. Fisher Middle School, and Los Gatos High School.

Professionals, particularly those working in tech and seeking a hassle-free commute, will also appreciate the home’s proximity to top companies in Silicon Valley, including Apple, Netflix, and NVIDIA.

Neighborhood Amenities

This home is located in the forested hillside of Los Gatos, which has many beautiful parks and open spaces, including Live Oak Manor Park, La Rinconada Park, and Belgatos Park.

Nearby Amenities

Downtown Los Gatos: Quaint area that offers numerous dining, retail, and entertainment options
Lester Square: Shopping center that features a FedEx, Philz Coffee, Super Duper Burgers, and Adobe Animal Hospital
La Rinconada Country Club: Boasts a team of PGA instructors and a course with breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz Mountains

What Sets This Property Apart

While many luxury homes offer opulence, this home’s proximity to downtown Los Gatos sets it apart from many homes. It’s located just two miles from town, making it the perfect retreat for those seeking convenience.

Additionally, the estate sits on an enormous 10.6-acre lot, which offers enough room to create a grand family compound with three homes — making it a haven for multigenerational living.

Conclusion

239 Forrester Road isn’t just another home. It’s one of the last grand estates in Los Gatos. Its sale showcases that buyers are seeking to invest in properties that not only offer expansive grounds and lavish amenities but also convenience.